CPM-04 - Complex Cases of Nocioplastic Pain

Nociplastic pain is defined as "pain that arises from altered nociception despite the absence of clear evidence of actual or threatened tissue damage that causes peripheral nociceptors activation or evidence of a disease or lesion of the somatosensory system causing the pain”. While this terminology has only recently been introduced, research has already been under way attempting to reveal the underlying mechanisms of nociplastic pain syndromes. The greatest challenge with this type of pain is that clear diagnoses may be difficult to ascertain, and treatment is often more complicated than treating nociceptive or neuropathic pain.

During this case-based seminar, we will review the challenges associated with managing patients with nociplastic pain from diagnostic and treatment viewpoints. The latest research into potential underlying mechanisms will be discussed as a way to further the understanding of nociplastic pain and to help determine best treatment approaches. We will also discuss novel treatments specifically targeting nociplastic pain mechanisms that are available to use.